Implant dentures are a type of over-denture attached to and supported by implants. They are used when a dental patient does not have teeth in his or her jaw, but does have enough jaw bone to support the implants. This type of denture stays secure by means of special attachments that snap directly onto implant attachments. The results can be life transforming.
The implant is created by means of a titanium replacement tooth root, an abutment that connects the root to the replacement tooth, and the replacement tooth that sits above the gum line.
A good candidate for implant dentures is the person with good oral health, lacking any periodontal diseases, and who has good general health as well. This type of denture requires adequate jaw bone to support it. However, bone grafting procedures can help replace lost bone in some cases, so that those who have lost bone can still get implants. Those who currently have dentures can replace them with implant dentures, or alternatively, use implants to secure and stabilize their current dentures, making them much more comfortable.
Implant dentures provide a more stable fit than regular dentures and are more comfortable. They achieve restoration of the patient’s teeth as closely to his or her natural teeth as possible. With implant dentures, it becomes easier to speak, and the dentures do not become loose or accidentally fall out of the mouth. Patients who opt for implant dentures are able to eat the foods that their regular dentures previously prevented them from eating, and implant patients often look younger because the implants prevent shrinkage of the jawbone. Denture implants defer further bone loss.